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J. H. GO'NNELLY.

BARBED FENCE.

Patented Feb. 28,1882.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFEIQE.

JOSEPH H. ooNNELLY, OF PITTSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.

BARBED FENCE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 254,278, dated February 28, 1882.

Application filed November 25, 1881.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, J OSEPH H. (JoNNELLY, of Pittsburg, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Metallic Fences; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which-- Figure 1 is a plan view of my improved metallic fence-rail. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the hook forjoining the sections of rail. Fig. 3 is aside elevation of fence having my improved rail. Fig. 4is a sectional view of Fig. 1, showing the beveled or knife edges.

Like letters of reference indicate like parts wherever they occur.

My invention relates to the construction of metallic fence-rails; and it has for its object to secure a light and strong fence-rail which will resist force and turn stock without entangling or otherwise injuring them, and which can be readily and cheaply manufactured.

To this end it consists in a twisted beveledged ribbon-rail, the bevel-edge of theribbon serving to turn stock, while the twist given to 'the ribbon not only serves to strengthen the rail, but also causes the sharp edge to present in all directions, all as will hereinafter more fully appear.

Heretofore, so far as I am aware, the classes of metallic fencing in most common use have been the barbed-wire fencing, which is not readily seen by cattle, and is liable to entangle and injure stock, and metallic rails having thorns or saw-teeth which lack strength to resist force and are liable to seriously tear and injure the stock. My improved rail is not liable to these objectionable features, the rail being plainly visible, and having sufficient strength and sharpness to restrain the cattle from breaking through. 7

Iwill now describe my invention, so that others skilled in the art may manufacture and use the same.

In the drawings, the ribbon in atwisted form is shown at a, the twist being such that the (No model.)

edge of the ribbon formsa spiral,thereby causing the edge to extend in every direction from the center, and at the same time to increase the firmness,.tenacity, andresisting power of the rail. This rail is provided with a beveled or knife edge, 0. The rail may be made of the various metals,-but steel is preferable, on account; of its elasticity-and strength. the rail may be galvanized or covered with other suitable substance. The twisted ribbons which form the rail may be drawn out and coiled, or it may be rolled in suitable lengths provided at their ends with hooks b or other suitable fastening. These rails are fastened to wooden or metallic posts by staples, or in any other suitable manner.

The chief advantages of my improved rail are its great strength and lightness in weight, its durability and efficiency in restraining cattle, and its cheapness and simplicity in manufacture. I v

I am aware that flat metal rails have been twisted spirallyto strengthen and stiffen the same, and also that beveled orknife edges have been used in lieu of barbs to turn stock, and therefore do not herein claim either separately; but I am not aware that the two have heretofore been so combined as to obtain a single rail having lightness and strength, together with capacity to turn cattle without tearing or injuring'the same. As a result of such combination I am enabled to produce an effective equivalent for barbed rails with less material, less labor, and consequently at less expense.

Having thus described my invention, What I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, 1s

As a new article of manufacture, a metallic fence-rail consisting of a twisted metallic ribbon having beveled or knife edges, substantially as and for the purposes described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

J 08. H. OONNELLY. Witnesses:

J OHN S. KENNEDY, J AMEs K. BAKEWELL.

To prevent rust 7. 

